Computer and Information Sciences at Allegheny College

A computer science degree from a selective liberal arts college like Allegheny raises natural questions about value when compared to larger tech-oriented programs. Based on similar Pennsylvania computer science programs, graduates might expect around $57,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt—a 0.47 ratio that suggests manageable repayment. However, these figures fall short of the $61,000 national median for the field, and they're dramatically below what Pennsylvania's top programs deliver. The University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore graduates earn two to three times as much in their first year, suggesting that in computer science, institutional prestige and curriculum focus create stark outcome differences within the same state.

The $27,000 debt estimate aligns with both state and national medians for computer science programs, so the borrowing level itself isn't unusual. The challenge is whether Allegheny's liberal arts approach to computer science—likely emphasizing breadth over technical depth—translates to competitive positioning in the job market. For a family paying for a bachelor's degree in this field, the question becomes whether the small-college experience justifies potentially earning $4,000 less annually than the national median, especially when Pennsylvania's top quartile programs are producing graduates who clear $70,000-$80,000 right out of college. If your child thrives in smaller settings and you're prioritizing the overall educational experience, these estimated returns are workable, but families focused purely on tech career ROI should compare carefully against state schools with stronger industry connections.